After An Educator's Journey
Out of the classroom & into the universe
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Once upon a time, I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. Now I’m retired and working on new ventures.
Author: amybisson
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With the Common Core Standards, we — that means teachers — are bracing for new and improved standardized testing. An article in the Boston Globe this morning (link here) floats the idea. MCAS may or may not be replaced by a new Common Core test, presumably aligned to the new standards. If you read the…
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The first weeks of school, as every teacher will tell you, are spent setting up and refining routines. I find our school’s decision to use the principles of the Responsive Classroom provides lots of guidance and reminders on building a classroom community. This morning, I watched a refresher on one of the most basic of…
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I’ve been at this for 23 Fall startups now and I’ve yet to find the “perfect” room configuration. Over time, I’ve managed to get the task of setting up – at least for Day 1 – down to a two-day affair, but it is not without angst. My students do not sit in rows –…
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I’ve put it off for nearly as long as I dare. It is time to start getting ready for a new school year. Completing my list for summer has suddenly kicked in to overdrive: there’s still much (re)painting to complete, sorting and throwing to do, cleaning and gardening/landscaping. But suddenly, there is a pressing need…
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One of the ongoing creative projects Adrien has been working on is photographing some of the farmers working and learning through the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project. We receive a weekly share of the farmers’ bounty through World Peas CSA and, so far, it has been a wondrous adventure in fresh local veggies – and…
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Maybe it’s been around for a while and I’m just catching up on my reading, but I just learned about a new “tool” for students. Lucky for my budget it won’t cost anything more than some manila file folders, tape, and time. The new tool is called the Mini-office. I was intrigued by the term…
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Summer hiatus is a challenge for me ; I am compulsively obsessed with education. However, this summer I have made an effort and, until today, have left my pile of things to consider in a far corner of our spare bedroom. This week, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved implementation of the…
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This is a quote from John Muir who advocated for preserving the natural beauty in our country. Every so often I need a head slap from nature to gain back perspective. Last week, I was lucky enough to do just that when Adrien and I traveled to Mount Desert Island for a mini-vacation. The Island,…
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It is no secret that politics in the United States are a puzzlement to me. Things I believe in – the common good, generosity and understanding in treatment of those who are not like me, a belief that freedom is a treasure that should not be eroded – these things are often not valued, if…
After An Educator's Journey 